Description
This is an ideal career for logical and analytical thinkers. Traditionally, the defining role of a pharmacist has always been to dispense medications prescribed by medical practitioners and other health professionals, counseling patients on the correct usage and any possible adverse effects.
Career Advice - Pharmacist Career
This remains the defining responsibility of the pharmacist, together with meeting all professional and ethical requirements; but in recent times the pharmacist’s role has expanded to be much more diverse.
As a pharmacist you are an integral member of the health care industry and your work is central to any pharmacy business. You are a highly respected professional within the community and are often the first point of contact for a patient with a health or medical related concern.
As you have a responsibility to develop a rapport with your patients, since you enable them to assess and meet their medical and health care needs by providing advice on appropriate products or treatments, monitoring dosage and management of their condition, informing on interactions between medications and/or referring to relevant medical or health care professionals.
Therefore it is crucial that the Pharmacist is accessible to the patient as a health care counselor, and is readily available in person to advice and counsel patients on all health matters.
What you do every day
Your day-to-day duties as a pharmacist vary depending on your career progression and whether your chosen path is in a hospital or a community pharmacy. Regardless of your chosen path, however, your primary duties as a pharmacist remain the same; dispensing prescription medications, counseling patients, monitoring the patient’s progress and ensuring that all ethical and professional standards are met.
Day to day duties may also include Home Medication Reviews, dose administration preparation for nursing homes and submission of claims for payment to the Government.
Personality that best fit this career
Ultimately, a prospective pharmacist must possess strong “people” and communication skills and a strong desire to help others. Your interpersonal skills must be advanced to enable you to develop strong working relationships with other healthcare providers, and to be sensitive in handling patients’ needs. Confidentiality and discretion are paramount.
As a prospective pharmacist, you should have a logical and analytical aptitude whilst being methodical and conscientious. You must thrive on ensuring accuracy and attention to detail is always maintained. Commitment to ongoing professional development is essential to ensure your skills and knowledge remains up to date, given the ever changing nature of this industry.
Best thing about this career
This profession certainly gives a return on investment – both personally and financially. You will reap what you sow. True dedication to university studies and the profession is required; but excellent employment opportunities, high remuneration and personal growth are guaranteed for those who apply themselves.
Pharmacy is a flexible career with various related career options and delivers great personal satisfaction when patients respond to treatment and recommendations.
Worst thing about this career
To meet the ever changing needs of society, pharmacies are now open for increasingly longer hours. The result is that pharmacists often work long hours which may include evenings, weekends, and perhaps public holidays. Your working day as a pharmacist is spent almost entirely on your feet.
About the Author
Terry White
Terry White with his wife, Rhonda, established the Terry White Chemists group of pharmacies. They appointed their first franchisee in 1994 which now has 111 stores from Cairns to Perth with a turnover of $550 million.
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